Doing that Friday morning in Metro Detroit means you'll experience rapidly dropping temperatures and see rain give way to sleet and snow.

Winter returned to Michigan Jan. 12. A tow truck attempts to pull a semi back on the road on ...more

Winter returned to Michigan Jan. 12. A tow truck attempts to pull a semi back on the road on Interstate 96 between Lansing and Grand Rapids

Dale G. Young/The Detroit News

"Friday's weather doesn't seem to be off to a great start," said Sara Pampreen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township. "We've got some very cold air coming in, which is the changeover to happen fast."

Temperatures Friday will drop from the mid-40s to the 20s by 5 p.m., according to the weather service. Meteorologists have also issued a winter weather advisory that's in effect until 7 p.m.

As the metro area gets hammered with a wintry mix of sleet, snow and rain, George Chen clears the ...more

As the metro area gets hammered with a wintry mix of sleet, snow and rain, George Chen clears the walkway in front of his home in Dearborn.

Brandy Baker, The Detroit News

The mix of rain and snow will make travel conditions difficult as light freezing rain makes untreated roads slick, weather service officials warn.

A double whammy is that falling snow that melts on the roadways could freeze when the colder air arrives.

To top it all off, Metro Detroit could get 2-4 inches of snow before Saturday.

And the forecast for the next few days calls for high temperatures to remain between the upper teens and low 20s, Pampreen said.

"It'll be cold over the next few days," she said. "A clipper system is coming in and we're expecting a couple of inches of snow on Monday, but that could change."

Meanwhile, the state's Department of Natural Resources is cautioning people to exercise caution on the ice during these times of fluctuating temperatures.

“Don’t assume the ice is safe just because a lake or stream looks frozen,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety programs supervisor. “There are several factors that can determine the strength of the ice. Understanding and recognizing these factors, as well as using common sense and caution, will allow you to have a more enjoyable outdoor experience and to make it home safely.”

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Extended forecast

Saturday: Partly sunny with a high near 18 degrees and a low of about 7 degrees. Winds could reach gusts of up to 23 miles per hour. The wind chill factor could be as low as -4 degrees.

Sunday: Mostly sunny with a high near 20 degrees and a low of about 12 degrees.

Monday: Snow showers with a high near 24 degrees and a low of about 14 degrees. The area could get up to two inches of snow.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with a high near 21 degrees and a low of about 9 degrees. Snow showers are expected to fall after 1 p.m.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a high near 19 degrees and a low of about 12 degrees.